The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has confirmed that all financial entitlements owed to Super Eagles players and officials for the ongoing AFCON 2025 have been settled and approved, with payments currently being processed.
Dikko’s clarification comes amid reports suggesting that some players were considering boycotting training and travel plans ahead of Nigeria’s crucial clash with Algeria.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dikko revealed that President Bola Tinubu approved the entire AFCON 2025 budget as far back as November 14, 2025, ensuring full alignment between the NSC, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the players.
“The funding has been fully approved. While approval and payment processing are different stages, the players are fully aware that the money has been cleared and is being released,” he said.
According to him, extensive meetings were held with the NFF leadership, team captain, co-captain, and senior players, where all tournament bonuses — from the group stage to the final — were clearly agreed upon.
“The players know exactly what they are playing for at every stage of the competition. Everything was agreed upon before the tournament started,” Dikko stated.
He added that the only payments requested in cash were daily allowances, which have already been disbursed. Match bonuses, he said, have also been approved and are currently undergoing final processing.
“The Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria are working closely to ensure timely release of the funds,” he assured.
The Super Eagles have enjoyed an impressive AFCON campaign so far, winning all their matches and scoring 12 goals on their way to the quarter-finals.
Nigeria will face Algeria’s Desert Foxes this Saturday at the Stade de Marrakech in a high-stakes encounter for a place in the semi-finals, with kickoff scheduled for 5:00 p.m.